Travel
Why You Should Try Fly Fishing in Montana Even if You’re an Indoorsy Person
Hunker down at one of Montana's many lakes and rivers then head to Billings for brews and fun
Sponsored by Visit Billings It’s summer so it’s high time to unwind and experience all the great outdoors has to offer. One of nature’s most relaxing activities is fly fishing. (Author Izaak Walton once referred to the sport as “the contemplative man’s recreation.”) One of the best states in which to cast a line is…
6 Things Washington State Parks are Good for Besides Hiking
Get outside and get creative with these six ideas that go beyond the usual suspects
Sponsored by Washington State Parks There are hundreds of Washington State Parks–in all sorts of sizes (e.g. Posey Island State Park in San Juan County is a mere one acre) and with all sorts of attractions (think flaming methane geysers or tours of limestone formations). And while camping and hiking are perhaps two of the…
Flying High: The Best Washington Zip Lines
The best zip line tours in Western Washington
Maybe it’s the promise of being airborne and getting a bird’s-eye view of forest canopies, park flora and fauna—or perhaps it’s a nod to our ever-shortening attention spans—but either way, zip lines are the thrill ride du jour, so get zooming. Tacoma Trips Zoom Deep Forest Ziplines, Point Defiance Park; pdza.org/zoomZip stats: Two sets of…
How to Experience Tofino on Vancouver Island, B.C., Like a Queen
Our digital editor's whirlwind expedition to one of Canada's most idyllic villages
“Have you traveled or been in contact with anyone who has visited Liberia, Sierra Leone or Guinea in the past 21 days?” The question startled me. I hadn’t been outside the U.S. since the Ebola crisis began so I hadn’t expected anything but routine inquiries: “Why are you visiting Canada?” “Do you have anything to…
Canada By Rail: An Unforgettable Road Trip
Soak up the scenery, breathe in the mountain air and maybe spot a grizzly
We’ve been traveling east all day, the late afternoon sun is golden, the sky deep blue. I’m standing on an open-air deck watching the range-country scenery outside of Kamloops, British Columbia, roll by. It’s dry cattle country—a surprising shift from the dense greenery west of the Cascades. Suddenly, someone shouts “sheep,” and we scan the…
4 Local Hikes for Beginners
This roundup of hikes ranges from easy to moderate, so you can stop the research and get outside
We’re used to being humbled by the nearby snow-capped peaks and glistening blue waters, lush forests and beautiful blooms. There are myriad ways to explore the outdoors in the Northwest, but if you’re a beginner, embarking on a day-long hike can be incredibly intimidating. What do you wear? Do you need to bring food? What…
A Medieval Weekend on the Kitsap Peninsula
Port Gamble celebrates the 33rd annual June Faire
Where: Port Gamble, the tiny, historic town at the tip of the Kitsap Peninsula. Why: For the June Faire (6/6–6/7, $10 for a weekend pass; junefaire.com). What: This medieval festival celebrates its 33rd year with creative anachronisms and costumes galore amid stunning views of Puget Sound. Demonstrations include sword fighting, archery and thrown weapons, plus traditional…
The Best Places to Camp in the Northwest
From deluxe tents in a vineyard to charming cabins on a lake, we’ve got camping spots for everyone
It’s the perfect time to make camp. From tepees in a vineyard and charming cabins on a lake to pup tents in meadows under star-crammed skies, here you’ll find camping spots for all levels of motivation, experience and outdoor passion. Read on. Lake LifePlunge into the serene outdoors at Ross Lake in North Cascades National…
Crashing and Burning at GoFest
Failing is fun at Whistler's summer outdoor festival
GoFest, the second annual Great Outdoors Festival at Whistler, B.C., kicks off May 16 with four days of activities, including several extreme sports competitions that are fun for both participants and spectators alike — especially if you don’t mind getting a little wet. And dirty. And maybe a little envious. Here’s a quick rundown…
Road Trip to Goldendale Observatory for Total Lunar Eclipse
Head south to get starry-eyed at the cosmos
Where: Goldendale, Washington, in Klickitat County. WHY: To bask in the vastness of the universe at the Goldendale Observatory (1602 Observatory Drive, Goldendale; 509.773.3141; free admission). WHAT: One of 20 global “dark sky parks” (public land that remains largely unaffected by light pollution and has an exceptional number of starry skies), perched on a hilltop…
Kick Off Spring with These 4 Local Flower Fests
Flowers, flowers everywhere!
Spring is finally here and with the warm weather comes a burning desire to get outside. If you’ve been bottled up through the long winter months, you’re likely looking for any excuse to spend your days off exploring Seattle’s many outdoor activities. You can pack a lunch and have a picnic in the park, but…
Pack the Sunscreen: 5 Warm-Weather Escapes
Warm, sunny—and some sandy—these five stunning getaways await
Sponsored Content Sure, we’re happy that springtime has arrived. But Spring in Seattle can be deceptive—sunny enough to tempt us outside, but a little too chilly to let us enjoy it. But that’s why airplanes, resorts, and tropical drinks were invented! If you’re longing to warm up for a few days or a week, here…
Hop in the Car For a Quick Trip to Whidbey
Take a springtime road trip to Coupeville for the 29th annual MusselFest
Where: Historic Coupeville, Washington, on Whidbey Island. Why: For the 29th annual Penn Cove MusselFest (3/6–3/8; Coupeville Recreation Hall, 901 NW Alexander St.; thepenncovemusselsfestival.com). Where: Founded in 1986 by locally based Captain John Colby Stone, the festival is dedicated to the sweet, meaty, nationally revered mussels grown in Whidbey’s Penn Cove. (A member of the…
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